reporter: president obama returned to washington for a last-minute push before leaving vacation in hawaii, he had separate phone conversations with congressional leaders. but it's not clear the talks helped. house republican leaders say they'll take action on whatever bill the senate can pass. but the senate must act first. brandi and muhammad? >> thank you. oh, to be a fly on the wall today in that meeting when it all happens. >> we've been talking all week about this going down to the deadline. i mean, we are right at that deadline. this is going to be a photo finish. >> and if the house ends up adjourning, it usually takes 48 hours to be called back. so the timing is really key here. whatever happens today could be the deciding factor. >> a lot of it comes down to who is going to blink first. >> if either side each does. >>> also making headlines today, retired general norman schwartzcopf has died from pneumonia. known as stormin' norman, schwartzcopf commanded the u.s. led international coalition that drove saddam hussein's forces out of kuwait in 19ed 1. president obama was among tho